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Make them meet until a deal is done

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Saturday November 17, 2012 6:22 AM

I respond to Joe Hallett’s Sunday Forum column, “Congress’ handling of fiscal policy has been a
disgrace.” Hallett related a conversation with Sen. John McCain about his concerns “as an American
citizen.”

I agree with Hallett that the best way to prepare for retirement is by paying down debt and
putting money into 401(k) accounts. However, Hallett pointed out to McCain that dire consequences
await us if our elected representatives in Congress fail to work together on legislation because “
billions of dollars in automatic tax increases and across-the-board spending cuts could send the
economy over the fiscal cliff, possibly into recession.”

The Republican majority in Congress under House Speaker John Boehner consistently has blocked
all efforts to reach an accord, and its version of “compromise” is to insist the Democrats do what
they are told. Hallett further noted that last Tuesday’s election did little to change the
situation in Congress.

Further inaction by Congress could damage our credit rating, adversely affect the stock market
and force some older workers to postpone retirement.

Therefore, I propose the following: President Barack Obama should convene a Congressional
Economic Summit. Only the president and members of Congress would be allowed to attend.

Guards would exclude legislative aides, lobbyists and Grover Norquist. No cell phones or
electronic devices would be allowed. Attendance would be mandatory and the summit would end only
when a workable bill is passed.